THE SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING (Budget
Workshop) of the City of Port Orange was called to order by Mayor Allen Green
at 5:32 p.m.

Pledge of Allegiance

Silent Invocation

Roll Call: Present: Councilman
Bob Ford

Councilman
Bob Pohlmann

Vice Mayor Dennis Kennedy

Mayor
Allen Green

Absent: Councilman
Donald Burnette

Also
Present: Kenneth W. Parker, City Manager

Margaret
T. Roberts, City Attorney

Robin
Fenwick, Deputy City Clerk

B. BUDGET WORKSHOP

Mr. Parker updated Council on the proposed budgets
previously presented to Council. He advised that the general fund is in good
shape but there remains some concerns with state revenues. Roll back rate is
5.21, and we are below that currently.

Jerry Monahan, Public Safety Director presented the police
department’s proposed budget. Discussion was held regarding the eliminated
positions in the police department since 2007. Councilman Pohlmann asked how
the eliminated positions have affected the department. Chief Monahan said it
has affected them some but they are doing the best they can with the staffing
levels they have. Vice Mayor Kennedy asked if some of the positions have been
covered using overtime. The response was yes on occasion when someone is out
sick or on vacation. Councilman Ford asked if the eliminated police officers
has affected the arrests made and citations issued. Chief Monahan discussed the
reasons why arrests made and citations may be down: some factors include retirements,
maternity/paternity leaves, 14 on light duty, military duty, rank and file
contract issues, but they are moving ahead, contract issues are done. Mr.
Parker explained that the City used a vacancy factor in 2007 for the 3 full time
officers but the 2012 budget does not include vacancy factors. This budget only
shows filled positions. Chief Monahan said turnover has decreased except for
retirements. Councilman Ford has a concern with the fact that PD is coming up
on some major retirements in the near future and the fact that the City’s northern
neighbors are putting pressure on criminals who may be moving south into Port Orange.
Chief Monahan said the delay in hiring is not budgetary reasons but he is being
very selective. Their operating budget is about 18% of the total budget. Port Orange
currently has an officer/population ratio of 1.4 officers per 1000 which is
almost last in the state. Crime statistics show part 1 crimes are up in 2010.
According to FDLE, the City’s crime rate is 2.682 per 100 residents for 2010,
which is 3rd in the county.

Vice Mayor Kennedy believes the PD budget needs to be kept
on the higher side.

Councilman Ford wants officers to know the Council is behind
them and he wants to see more proactive work from them.

FIRE: Ken Burgman presented the proposed budget to Council
for the fire department. Discussion was held regarding the eliminated positions.
They are currently 5 people short. They have 10 people in DROP, all of whom
will be leaving within 5 years. Councilman Ford is concerned that there are not
enough firefighters to respond. Ken Burgman said legally they are covered but
he'd be more comfortable with more boots on the ground. He explained that South
Daytona and New Smyrna Beach both have more administrative staff in their fire
departments. Councilman Ford asked how the overtime costs are. Ken Burgman said
this is the time of year that overtime will go up. Discussion was held relating
to the fire hydrants and the work being done by Public Works and the fire
department.